Hello. I have a few questions about RSD. I was diagnosed a little over a year ago after knee surgery. I have been having abnormal sweating. (Hands, feet, underarms) I have also have abnormal blushing…is that normal? I have never been a big blusher, but it all started after I was diagnosed. The weird thing is, when I blush I start to sweat EVERYWHERE and my hands and feet get all red and start the swell . Also my neck starts to sweat and turn red as well. I can just be sitting watching T.V and it starts up. I know this sounds odd, but has anyone else experienced this? It’s like having heat flashing at 14! I doubt it’s my meds. (I’m taking lyrica twice a day) I’ve done some research and nothing says anything about abnormal blushing. Is this RSD or another issue? :confused:

kelly6449ed

02-01-2009, 03:44 PM

Hello kayT

And welcome to the right place to help with your questions,
I am so so so so sorry to hear you have RSD and you are just to young,
there is also a young lady on here that I am sure when she see that you are both the same age she can answer a lot of what you are asking,
(You know who you are) I am 44 and I am stock at how much she knows,
so, here we go, sweating! oh yes that is something RSDers have, and its no fun
I swaet all over, from head toe, I have full body RSD, its all day and the night, Nights are the worst for me, I can be ice cold, and sweat my neck, legs feet arm, face, hands, my neck is odd, it sweats like if I have a reckless on,
it runs off me like crazy, and no I know its not hot flash's had my esterden
check, its the RSD, my back sweats also, it drives me nuts, I never was a sweater, before, I use to tell everyone I was over heating,
its an odd feeling, my body can be burning up, in some parts and ice cold in outer places, and sweaty,I can no longer wear makeup it just sweats off, then I also turn colors from red to a pail white
I do have pics, so you can see the red, I am adding them in here,
http://flickr.com/photos/rsdcrps/show/with/3132061607/
I started taking pic, for one I would search all over to see if I could find a pic of anyone else that had what I was seeing going on with my body,
I never met anyone with RSD before, and felt so alone, not no more,
its like a family on here, everyone will try and help you so ask ask ask
that is the best thing you can do, learn about what is going on,
we all will do are best to help you though this, and within time you will be able to know more about your RSD then anyone else, ok,
never feel like what you are asking is something we have not ask are self's
and yes swelling, I get that also,
RSD is not the same in any of us, so we learn and support each outer the best we can do, and you are not alone, :grouphug:

I hope you will keep posting, no matter what you ask, before long you will
be able feel like you can help the next person that is new on here,
at least that is how I got, smiles
it is very helpful for you to learn as much as you can about what you have

You are just to young to have this I am so sorry, it just brake my heart
I wish you the very best and you well see we are all here for each outer

Peace
Kelly
:grouphug:
PS one more thing,
I know this can be very scary to a newbe, at any age, so do not forget we are here for you, ask , vent, yell, cry, laugh, smile, learn,

MominPainRSD

02-01-2009, 04:36 PM

Hello. I have a few questions about RSD. I was diagnosed a little over a year ago after knee surgery. I have been having abnormal sweating. (Hands, feet, underarms) I have also have abnormal blushing…is that normal? I have never been a big blusher, but it all started after I was diagnosed. The weird thing is, when I blush I start to sweat EVERYWHERE and my hands and feet get all red and start the swell . Also my neck starts to sweat and turn red as well. I can just be sitting watching T.V and it starts up. I know this sounds odd, but has anyone else experienced this? It’s like having heat flashing at 14! I doubt it’s my meds. (I’m taking lyrica twice a day) I’ve done some research and nothing says anything about abnormal blushing. Is this RSD or another issue? :confused:

Hi KayT!!! Welcome to the forum. I'm so glad that you have found us. This is a wonderful, caring, knowledgeable group of people that have a lot of experience in dealing with this disorder. We are like a family here and we understand the pain and fear that you are experiencing.

I found a link that might help you with some of your questions. I will post the information here:

The Autonomic nervous system is made up of the sympathetic system and the parasympathetic system. Think of these systems working together and maintaining a balance that impacts every part of your body! Heart frequency, heart capacity, lumbar function, kidneys, blood vessels, stomach and intestines are just a few examples.

The sympathetic nervous system pushes where the parasympathetic function is more relaxed. The sympathetic chain nervous connects to skin, blood vessels and organs in the body cavity and is located on both sides of the spine which consists of ganglias.
Autonomic Nervous System

The autonomic nervous system most notably kicks in gear during emergency situations that cause stress and requires us to “fight” or take “flight”, as well as non-emergency situations that allow us to “rest” and “digest”. The autonomic nervous system also provides maintenance of normal internal functions and works with the somatic nervous system. When the body reacts to signals such as danger, it is the sympathetic ganglia that performs functions such as widening the lungs for more oxygen, reduces desire to consume food, sends blood to the brain and increases heart rate.

http://www.hyperhidrosis.us/sympathetic-nervous-system.php

Also this.....a little more complicated:

The sympathetic nervous system normally functions to produce localized adjustments (such as sweating) and reflex adjustments of the cardiovascular system. Under conditions of stress, however, the entire sympathetic nervous system is activated, producing an immediate, widespread response that has been called the “fight or flight” response. This is characterized by the release of large quantities of epinephrine from the adrenal gland, an increase in heart rate, an increase in cardiac output, skeletal muscle vasodilation, cutaneous and gastrointestinal vasoconstriction, pupillary dilation, bronchial dilation, and piloerection. The overall effect is to prepare the individual for imminent danger.

http://www.becomehealthynow.com/article/bodynervousadvanced/822

Basically, all that means is that the sympathetic nervous system controls a LOT of activities in our body and it does it without us thinking about it. Given that RSD is a disorder of this system in our body, a lot of symptoms that don't seem to make sense can occur.....including flushing, your knee/leg getting hot or cold, your pupils dilating, or goose bumps even if you're sweating. Unfortunately, it is all part of the disorder. Given your age and the fact that you already have a lot of hormones being released, it could be even more pronounced in you.

It might be helpful for you to keep a little journal of when you notice this happening (times of day, times of your menstrual cycle, when you've last eaten, etc....) to see if you can find some connection to share with your doctors. Most importantly, try to remember that while this is concerning for you (as for us all who experience the same things) it is NOT uncommon for those who have RSD to have these strange things happen.

I hope that you will feel comfortable sharing your concerns with us. There is no question that is too big or too small here. If we don't know the answer right away, we'll research and help you find it! I'm so sorry that you're having to deal with this at such a young age. I know another young person on this forum will respond to you as soon as she reads your post.

Please keep in touch and keep us posted on how you are doing!!!

ali12

02-01-2009, 04:58 PM

Hello and Welcome to Neurotalk KayT! I too am so glad you found us - everyone here is so nice and caring and please feel free to post any questions you may have ... non of them are stupid at all and it's important that get some answers so don't ever be afraid to ask anything!!

I also get the abnormal sweating and unfortunately, according to my Doctor, it IS a symptom of RSD!! I am 14 years old tomorrow and I seem to sweat all the time - it's like I am going through the Menapause at such a young age lol. One minute I can be really hot and the next minute, I will be really hot and clammy!! It's SO annoying when it happens, especially when I am out in public as my face will go really red and sweaty!!

I don't get the blushing symptoms but sometimes, I have a really sulking face even when I am not in a mood!! It's so annoying as my mum and other people think that I am doing it on purpose and don't actually realise that it is uncontrolable and that I can't help it!!

I'm sorry to hear that you are getting these symptoms also and I would definitely tell your Doctor about it ... don't ever be afraid to tell your doctors how you feel, it's important that they know in order to try and help you!!

I'm thinking about you and if you need anything, I am here for you!:hug:

KayT123

02-01-2009, 05:08 PM

Thank you Kelly6449ed ( I am so sorry, I feel your pain!) and MominpainRSD (Thanks for the awesome websites) for making me feel so welcomed! It’s nice to know I have people to talk to that are actually going through the same things. I found this website last night and just had to join. (And im glad I did) So I am going to the doctors on the 26th. Is there anything the doctor can do to decrease the sweating and blushing? It really stinks because I have no confidence what so ever anymore…..I just want it all to go away. And plus, it’s embarrassing. :(

Kelly and moninpain, I wish you the very best. :grouphug:

GalenaFaolan

02-01-2009, 07:30 PM

Just wanted to pop by and say welcome! So young and dealing with "The Monster".

I too deal with that old sweating thing too. Another lovely gift from rsd. There's nothing that can be done to make it stop or go away. I hate having to break bad news. RSD affects your whole nervous system, this is the reason why it happens. The only way to make it stop is to get rid of the rsd. I'm so sorry to hear that none of the treatments have helped you.

Hugs,

Karen

MominPainRSD

02-01-2009, 07:48 PM

Oh, KayT......I so wish there WERE something that could be done. Unfortunately, it is a troublesome symptom of having RSD......it is NOT your fault, there is NOTHING you can do to prevent it, nor did you do anything to cause it, and it is important in all that you're going through to tell yourself that over and over. While I completely understand your embarrassment (and we all have our issues that draw attention to our condition......whether it be a limp, a wheelchair, a hand or arm that doesn't want to work properly, a cane, flushing, sweating, etc....), it is something you have to accept and so do the people around you. Just share with those closest to you what is going on so that when these things happen to you, they can be understanding and compassionate. If someone makes fun of you for it, consider whether or not they are the kind of person you need in your life right now.

Ali is such a wise, mature young lady for her age. She has been through so many of the same issues as you are currently experiencing. She is truly an inspiration to us all!! I encourage you to read more of her posts......I think you will find a lot of bravery and wisdom in her words. Click on her name on this thread, scroll down, and you'll find the option to be able to read more of what she's written. We have ALL learned so much from her.....and she is the same age as you!!

It is tragic that you have this disease at such a young age, but if you find acceptance in your situation, you can use so much of this wisdom as you further mature and develop your life plans!! All of us with RSD consider ourselves advocates and educators. We didn't plan on it, we couldn't have expected RSD before we got it, but it happened, and now it is our responsibility to support others and spread awareness. You, too, will find your voice in this and will be an encouragement to others!!

You can try putting cool (NOT cold) clothes on your face or neck when you feel yourself flushing, you can try changing positions or environments if possible (if you're sitting, try walking, and vice versa). Basically, you just need to learn your body and what tends to trigger these episodes. Sometimes it is just the RSD confusing your nervous system and there really is nothing you can do. I find that a really good sense of humor works WONDERS for me!!

Find your group of close friends that love you and care about you, educate them about RSD, have them read about it so they know what you're dealing with, lean on your family and your forum family!!! We're happy to get to know you and help however we can!!!

If you find something as you're reading that you'd like to ask someone specific about on this forum, you can feel free to Private Message any of us. Again, just click on our forum name, scroll down, and you'll see the option. I'm sure any one of us would be happy to help or answer any questions!!! We all learn from each other here.

Keep us posted on how you are doing!!!

Dubious

02-01-2009, 11:05 PM

Funny (odd, not ha, ha), my last ortho appt., he went to shake my hand and I told him he might not want to because it was sweating so much (almost dripping actually and of course, blotchy white). He grabbed it anyway, looked at it and quipped "isn't that just the strangest thing?" Could have slapped him for that as I have type II CRPS after his surgery (thank you very little). And then he recommended another stellate block, to be done, immediately. Go figure...

Imahotep

02-02-2009, 01:48 AM

Happy birthday Ali12.

MominPainRSD

02-02-2009, 11:04 AM

Funny (odd, not ha, ha), my last ortho appt., he went to shake my hand and I told him he might not want to because it was sweating so much (almost dripping actually and of course, blotchy white). He grabbed it anyway, looked at it and quipped "isn't that just the strangest thing?" Could have slapped him for that as I have type II CRPS after his surgery (thank you very little). And then he recommended another stellate block, to be done, immediately. Go figure...

You're still SEEING that doc???? I would have shaken his hand without mention and then wiped it on his little white coat for an added touch (see.....THEN the story could have been funny "ha ha").:p How many blocks have you had so far???